The U.S. Department of Labor on Jan. 31 announced through a press release that they have opened up the application process for the 2022 Hire Vets Medallion Award.

The award is given on an annual basis to employers that meet standards for excellence in recruitment, hiring, and retention of America’s military veterans, according to the release.

“The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a proven commitment to veteran hiring,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said, according to the release. "The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a meaningful and important recognition. Veterans and their families benefit from careers with real growth potential and employers gain dedicated, qualified employees who can make a significant contribution to the bottom line.”

The release states that the awards were set in place by the Honoring Investments in the Recruiting & Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017.

The act requires that the sitting Secretary of Labor establishes a program that recognizes efforts by certain employers to recruit, employ, and retain veterans, according to Hirevets.gov.

The awards differ for large, medium and small employers, according to Hirevets.gov.

According to the release, employers have until April 30 to apply and must meet award requirements, pay the application fee and follow the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act.